What is the primary purpose of a softening process in water treatment?

The primary purpose of a softening process in water treatment is to reduce hardness and scale formation. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, which can lead to scale buildup in pipes, boilers, and other equipment. This scale not only reduces the efficiency of heating systems but can also result in costly maintenance and potential failures.

By implementing a softening process, these harmful ions are removed or replaced with sodium ions, which do not contribute to hardness. As a result, the water becomes "softer," minimizing the risk of scale formation and improving the overall efficiency of water-using systems. This is particularly important in industrial settings, where maintaining equipment and ensuring optimal performance is critical.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of water softening. For instance, the removal of dissolved gases and the increase of mineral content don't address the problems associated with hard water. Enhancing the boiling point of water is also unrelated to the goals of water softening, which focuses specifically on reducing hardness.